Weekly Update
September 8, 2023
ATTENDANCE MATTERS
As we begin a new school year, we want to discuss student attendance and its impact on your student’s learning and the overall school community. We understand that there are multiple factors that can impact attendance and we want to be able to help.
How Absences Impact Your Student:
- Student absences lead to missed instructional time and it adds up (Attendance Matters Graphic).
- This missed instruction impacts student performance and can cause substantial stress for your student as they work to make up missed assignments.
How Absences Impact the School Community:
- We believe every student at Loudoun Valley is a contributing member of our community. Your student’s presence makes a difference in their classroom(s) and the daily events of the school.
- Student attendance is an important metric used by the Virginia Department of Education for our yearly accreditation rating, specifically chronic absenteeism. A student is considered chronically absent if they miss 18 school days in a year, regardless of whether it is an excused or unexcused absence.
How We Can Partner Together with You:
- Here is where we can use your help as parents and guardians:
- Communicate your student’s excused absences via ParentVue (English Instructions/Spanish Instructions).
- Proactively connect with your student’s counselor with concerns/barriers to your student’s regular attendance (School Counselor List).
- Review your student’s attendance in ParentVUE and see where in this upcoming school year there could be improvement. Barring extenuating circumstances, we encourage families to monitor their student’s attendance and avoid more than three absences per quarter.
- Please avoid scheduled school days for planning trips.
What You Can Expect From Us:
- Increased communication about your student’s absences- this is for both excused and unexcused absences. This communication will come in many different forms;
- Phone calls from support staff and attendance team members.
- Mailings with updates regarding your student’s absences.
- Meetings with school staff to discuss attendance and other student needs.
Resources:
-Loudoun Valley Attendance Website
-Loudoun Valley School Counseling and United Mental Health Website
PARENTVUE ONLINE VERIFICATION
Please sign into ParentVUE to complete the Online Verification process as part of Loudoun County Public Schools’ First Day of School Information initiative. This process is necessary for families to review and update important information about their students as we begin the 2023-24 school year. The Online Verification process must be completed no later than Friday, September 22.
Once completed, you will be able to view student schedules and bus information in ParentVUE.
LIGHTSPEED PARENT PORTAL - NEW DIGITAL SERVICE
LCPS is offering a new, optional and free digital service for families called Lightspeed Parent Portal. This service allows parents/guardians to view a list of websites their student(s) are accessing when using their LCPS-issued Chromebook or laptop. Families who elect to use this service will receive weekly reports by email.
In addition, families can elect to temporarily suspend Internet access for their student(s) devices when they are not connected to the LCPS network (home, bus, etc.). Please note: Internet access cannot be suspended when a student is at school.
To sign up for Lightspeed Parent Portal, go to ParentVUE. From there:
Click on: “Student Information.”
From “Student Information,” opt in for Lightspeed Parent Portal under “Student Notifications and Permissions.” (Be sure to click the “Edit” button at the top of the screen.)
Choose “YES” from the drop-down menu “I am opting into receiving weekly emails regarding my student’s internet usage.”
For additional information and questions about Lightspeed, go to the Lightspeed Parent Portal website.
PARENT INFORMATION SESSION SLIDE DECK
PARENT INFORMATION SESSION FAQ
EARLY DISMISSAL PROCESS
Hello Viking Parents and Guardians,
We are reaching out with a reminder to students and families on the early dismissal process and the help that we need at LVHS from parents and guardians.
All students are required to have proper parent or guardian documentation for an early dismissal. Below are additional clarifications on the process:
If your student contacts you during the school day and shares that they are not feeling well, please tell them to go to the clinic. Our clinic staff will contact a parent or guardian and we can confirm the early release.
If your student contacts you and shares that they are 18 and can sign themselves out, please remind them that a parent or guardian needs to submit the early dismissal request. For safety reasons we require parent/guardian documentation to confirm that the parent or guardian is aware and providing permission for their child to be released early from school.
Bypassing the school creates confusion and alerts our security team that the student may be missing. We take your child’s attendance seriously. Please help us by communicating with the school if your student needs to leave school early.
For more information on submitting an early dismissal request, please click the link below:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1IBr42ca9G25RaPaBhvAbHpZhGlV9DJW5IHbJzFNYzw8/edit?usp=sharing
GRADE LEVEL REMIND GROUPS
Here are the join codes for each grade level. You will text the code to 81010 or if you are in the Remind app, use the join existing class feature:
9th grade: @87ggk7
10th grade: @f8ee7e
11th grade: @24fg33f
12th grade: @824fg7
iREADY TESTING
Students in grades 9-12 will take the online, computer adaptive i-Ready assessment in their English course:
The assessment requires students to read passages and answer questions, lasting about 90-120 minutes. Students may complete the assessment in three sessions, if needed; however, the assessment should not last longer than approximately two hours (total). The assessment data is used by English teachers to differentiate instruction and identify literacy needs
Parents will receive a score report with their student’s reading achievement scores several weeks after the test window, in ParentVUE under the Documents tab.
Questions about the i-Ready Assessment can be directed to your student’s English teacher.
PSAT TESTING
LVHS will be offering the PSAT 8/9 to students in grade 9 and the PSAT/NMSQT to students in grades 10 and 11 on October 18, 2023. Registration is not required, and there is no cost for students.
This year, students will receive a digital version of the test, requiring the use of their LCPS-managed device. The Desmos calculator is built into the digital test portion of the Math test in which it is permitted, therefore, students do not need to bring a calculator.
Students are required to take the PSAT test at the school to which they are assigned and may not make up a missed test at another school. Students who attend the Academies will test at the Academies.
Student room assignments will be sent out at the beginning of October.
Student guides can be downloaded here:
TESTING COORDINATOR
Ms. Stecura is Loudoun Valley’s School Testing Coordinator. Her office is located in the main office. The best way to contact Ms. Stecura is through email at melissa.stecura@lcps.org.
The LVHS Testing Website has more information about testing.
At Loudoun Valley High School, we value teaching and learning and we reflect often on ways to improve and grow as a school community. Our Valley teachers, staff, and students have indicated a common theme that must be addressed as we prepare for this upcoming school year: student cell phone and earbud use in class. This year teachers have expressed concerns with students’ use of cell phones and the impacts it has had on engagement in instruction, opportunities to build collaborative relationships with peers, and building and utilizing critical thinking skills.
For the 23-24 school year, our school wide expectation is that students place their cell phones and earbuds in the designated space in each classroom. Phones will not be accessible during instructional time or Viking Time. Students may use their phones and earbuds during class changes, study hall, and lunch.
Students are not permitted to bring cell phones to the bathroom. Students should use all LCPS provided apps on their LCPS provided Chromebooks such as e-hallpass and Remind.
If students need to communicate with parents, coaches, employers, etc., they should do so during passing periods or lunch. If it is an immediate concern, students may go to the main office. Likewise, if you need to reach your student for an emergency, please contact the main office.
We ask that you begin having this conversation with your students now so they can start to understand these new changes in our Valley practices at the beginning of the 2023-24 school year.
For additional information and resources to support your student in this transition, please see below from the LVHS United Mental Health Team. This is a rich resource with helpful information and we invite you to take a moment to look through it.
https://www.hhs.gov/surgeongeneral/priorities/youth-mental-health/social-media/index.html
This initiative for the 23-24 school year is a collective and collaborative effort with the LVHS leadership team, teachers, students, administrators, and counselors. Together, we can work to strengthen learning engagement for students and improve their opportunities to go deeper in developing important life and learning skills.
FOLLOW OUR COUNSELING DEPARTMENT ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Instagram: @valleyschoolcounseling
STUDY SKILLS & ACADEMIC MOTIVATION PRESENTATIONS
LCPS MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS
This website offers comprehensive mental health services, support and resources provided by our Unified Mental Health Teams (counselors, psychologists, social workers, school nurses, and student assistance specialists) who can assist and direct families to the right level of services or interventions.
Available information includes:
- How to contact your school’s Unified Mental Health Team
- Resources for parents
- Suicide prevention resources
- LCPS mental and behavioral health services
- Substance use prevention and intervention services
- Resources for families of LGBTQ+ students and families
- Community resources
To access the mental health website created by the Department of Student Services, please visit: www.lcps.org/MentalHealthServices
MEET YOUR UNIFIED MENTAL HEALTH TEAM
MEET YOUR UNIFIED MENTAL HEALTH TEAM
As we approach Mental Health Awareness Month, Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) and the Unified Mental Health Team (UMHT) at Loudoun Valley want to remind you of the opportunities and resources available to students and families. The Loudoun Valley Unified Mental Health Team supports the mental health of all Loudoun Valley students.
YOUTH & FAMILY WORKSHOPS
9/27/23 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm Vaping: What Parents Need to Know
10/25/23 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm Talking to Teens about Healthy Relationships
Both workshops take place at the Youth & Family Resource Center in Leesburg
SUBSTANCE USE RESOURCES FOR PARENTS
Trends Presentation: Current drug trends among adolescents
Summer Resources: Substance use Inpatient/Outpatient resources
FENTANYL AWARENESS
RECOVERY FROM VAPING
HEALTH ADVISORY ON SOCIAL MEDIA USE
RYAN BARTEL FOUNDATION SEPTEMBER PROGRAMS
Youth Programs
Upstream youth suicide prevention programs from the Ryan Bartel Foundation are for all young people to help them build resilience and coping skills to manage the challenges of adolescence.
FORTitude Teen Mental Wellness Series
6-week interactive workshop series that builds resilience in youth by focusing on peer connections, identity development, emotional awareness, healthy relationships, and communication skills.
Middle School Students Series
When: Wednesdays, September 27 - November 1, 6:30 - 8 PM
Where: at Fusion Academy Loudoun - 19300 Promenade Dr Suite 200, Leesburg 20176
Register Here
High School Students Series
When: Tuesdays, September 26 - October 31, 6 - 7:30 PM
Where: Crossroads United Methodist Church, 43454 Crossroads Dr, Ashburn 20147
Register Here
A monthly program that brings youth (ages 12-18) together to build connections to peers and trusted adults through activities designed to enhance mental wellness and coping skills. In September, teens will discuss ways to maintain friendships and make new friends. Activities will include interacting with therapy dogs, a mindful meditation walk in nature, and altered magazine art.
When: Sunday, September 17, 2:00 - 5 PM
Where: Trillium Farm, 18915 Lincoln Rd, Hillsboro, VA 20132
Community Events
We’re All Human Color Run 2023.
Celebrate life & support Youth Suicide Prevention with this
When: Sunday, September 24th, 10am
Where: Woodgrove High School Campus, 36811 Allder School Rd, Purcellville, VA 20132
Details:
There has never been a greater need for mental health support than now. The power of human connection gives us strength and hope. Empower yourself through community with friends, family, and neighbors at this 5K on Sunday, September 24th. Run, walk, and skip your way through this 5K with a splash of color at this event filled with color, music, and fun.
VCSC
COLLEGE VISITS
University of Mary Washington, Monday, September 18, 3:50 – 4:20
Georgia Tech, Wednesday, September 20, 12:30 – 1:00
Shenandoah University, Wednesday, September 20, 2:25 – 2:55
LOUDOUN COUNTY COLLEGE FAIR, Sunday, September 24, 3:00 – 5:00, Independence High School
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Tuesday, September 26, 10:25 – 10-55
Dickinson College, Tuesday, September 26, 3:50 – 4:20
VA TECH, Wednesday, September 27, 10:15 – 10:55
High Point University, Wednesday, September 27, 2:25, 2:55
University of South Carolina, Wednesday, September 27, 3:50 – 4:20
University of Alabama, Thursday, September 28, 3:50 – 4:20
Students should sign up for a visit using their SchooLinks account.
ALCANZA COLLEGE FAIR
COAST GUARD ACADEMY GENESIS INVITATIONAL
Genesis Invitational at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT
The Genesis Invitational is an overnight program for students of color and first generation senior high school students. The program offers a comprehensive look at the cadet experience with special focus on making a seamless transition to college life. Participants are asked to meet a few criteria before registering. If they meet the criteria listed below, please follow up right away and register. Space is limited!
- Cumulative high school GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Taking pre-calculus or calculus in high school
- Plan to enroll in college next fall
- Height proportionate to weight and in good health.
Learn more and register for an upcoming session today!
CREDIT THROUGH TESTING
RE-LINK YOUR HARRIS TEETER ACCOUNT BY OCTOBER 1
Please help Loudoun Valley High School earn cash awards when shopping at Harris Teeter. And it’s easy! At Harris Teeter, our Together in Education (TIE) code is 1800. You do have to update this information every year, so please designate Loudoun Valley High School by October 1st. Thanks so much for helping us get the money we need for resources to support staff and students at Valley!
To recap, by October 1st please designate Loudoun Valley with this code:
Harris Teeter = 1800
SENIOR PICTURE DAYS
SENIORS receive their ID cards when they have their senior portraits taken. Senior yearbook portraits are free! Seniors who have not yet had a photo taken will receive an appointment card and email notification from Prestige/Lifetouch. Prestige will be at Valley Sept. 11-14 for senior portraits. Use the online scheduling program via www.schedule.prestigeportraits.com to reserve an appointment. If you don’t have your 8-digit code, you can search by city and state. Be sure to use Purcellville, Virginia (not Loudoun Valley) when you search. If you have any questions or need help scheduling, please call Prestige Scheduling at 1-800-736-4753. Chat help is also available online at the above site.
Seniors who previously had a photo taken will not be in the fall scheduling system. If a senior needs a retake, call the help number to schedule and avoid sitting fees. If you have any questions or need assistance, reach out to Mrs. Adwers for help: sadwers@lcps.org.
ATTENTION UNDERCLASSMEN
PAINT THE LOT
To enhance school spirit, extend our positive atmosphere, and develop class camaraderie, the seniors will be allowed to paint a parking space in the student parking lot to positively represent Loudoun Valley High School. Please read the rules and regulations below. Any painting that diverges from the approved design will be deleted; any changes must be resubmitted. Please email Mrs. Weller at sarah.weller@lcps.org if you have any questions.
The Seniors Paint the Lot event will be held on Saturday, September 16th at 10:00 am with a rain date of September 23rd. You will be given a spot assignment based on when your application and design were approved. You must have applied for and been approved for a parking pass from LCPS prior to applying for a spot to paint. The $20 for painting the spot is non-refundable. Here is the link for the application (students must be logged into their LCPS account to open):
ATTN: SENIOR PARENTS
Senior ADs are created by families to show their support for any FALL athlete or band member. To purchase your Senior AD for the fall program, go to www.lvboosters.org and click on Fall AD Program.
DEADLINE to order your Senior AD is 10/1. Parents that purchase a Senior AD will receive 1 free program book at Senior Night on 11/3 (last home football game). (Image is attached)
ONLINE STORE
Our Spirit Wear Online Store is NOW OPEN! Show your school spirit and grab your Valley Swag before it's all gone!! There's tank tops, visors, tee shirts, sweat shirts, bucket hats and much much more!
Shop Today! https://loom.ly/yc9jxB0
VALLEY RESTAURANT DISCOUNT CARDS
SPIRIT NIGHT
Please join the Loudoun Valley Athletic Boosters for the first Spirit Night of the school year!
Tuesday September 12th at Bia Kitchen
Dine from 5-8pm and be sure to mention the Loudoun Valley Athletic Boosters! Good for dine-in and carry out.
Once again thank you so much for your support!
SEPTEMBER MEETING
Loudoun Valley Athletic Boosters Meeting - Wednesday September 13th 7PM in the Library
WHAT TO DO IF LCPS GO IS DOWN
Direct Links for Students to Instructional Tools
TOOL: Google
LINK: https://drive.google.com
HOW TO SIGN IN: Google: student email address IDnumber@lcps.org, i.e. 000000@lcps.org
TOOL: Schoology
LINK: https://learn.lcps.org
HOW TO SIGN IN: Google
TOOL: Google Meet
LINK: https://meet.google.com/ OR the link you created for your class
HOW TO SIGN IN: Google
TOOL: Clever (for app integrations)
LINK: https://clever.com/
HOW TO SIGN IN: Student ID and Password
TOOL: StudentVue
LINK: https://portal.lcps.org/
HOW TO SIGN IN: Student ID and Password
FAQs
I've used the links and received sign-in errors. Is my password wrong?
Sometimes an LCPS Go outage is limited to LCPS Go, and other times it may be a network problem affecting multiple sites. In this instance, a password or other sign-in error may or may not reflect the actual problem. Wait and try later, refresh your browser window, and clear the cache if needed.
HIGH SCHOOL TOOLKIT
Contact Information
Website: https://www.lcps.org/lvhs
Location: 340 North Maple Avenue, Purcellville, VA, USA
Phone: (540) 751-2400
Twitter: @LVHS_official
2023 All Rights Reserved – Loudoun County Public Schools
